We are super excited about TENDER‘s new single, ‘Slow Love’, taken from their album ‘Fear Of Falling Asleep’, out via Partisan Records.

Much like TENDER’s other offerings, ‘Slow Love’ has a delightful bassline throughout with soulful vocals, inspired by the moments that come just before sleep when silence descends, and doubt and fear and desire take over.

Another well trained, and self-taught musician. This time it is CaitlynScarlett.

Caitlyn moved to London at age 17 to pursue her dream of music, and cites influences from the likes of M.I.A and Kate Bush to Bob Dylan and GwenStefani.

Her emotive, downbeat pop single, ‘Rust’, produced by Jack Gourlay (TomOdell, JackGarrett), sung in Caitlyn’s signature soulful style, tells a haunting and raw story about love.

“Writing Rust was therapy for me. It’s about that very sad point that some relationships reach, where both people grow in a separate direction and things become beyond repair. Especially if there’s been a betrayal of trust. I’m a hopeless romantic so when my first relationship ended, it shattered a lot of my idillic beliefs about love and how the story of my life was going to look. I’ve spent so much time mentally pacing down memory lane, at times it’s felt like my address.”

SanctuarySound is the project of multi-instrumentalist Cade Sadler, who creates peaceful and reflective music.

It consists only of him, a lap top, and an old Stratocaster, and with these minimal apparatus, he creates dreamy, atmospheric guitar drones underscored by deep back beat grooves.

Despite the track appearing to be ‘One Clear Thought’, the process of production is joyfully flustering; starting off with glitchy gameboy-style keys, followed by contemporary vocals and rhythmic drums, later finishing with distorted interruptions.

Sticking their middle fingers up to social media, rising four-piece October Drift are causing a stir amongst the gigging scene.

Kiran from October Drift has put together a really great playlist together for us.

Nick Drake – Hazy Jane II

Got this album (Bryter Layter) for a birthday sometime in my early teens. Took me a couple of years to really get into it, I don’t think it was instant enough for me to appreciate its subtleties at the time. Nick Drakes music gets better the more you hear it – which is the right way round, obviously.

The Velvet Underground & Nico – Sunday Morning

Easily one of the most important records of all time in my opinion. And this track is the go to for me. Not sure what it is about it but its so warm and dreamy. I’ve found myself the owner of one of the early editions of the vinyl where Andy Worhols banana peels. Apparently it could be worth some money, although I’ve accidentally ripped it a little trying to peel it!

Bob Dylan – Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright

Bob Dylan’s songwriting constantly surprises and impresses me with every listen (not ALL of his stuff, I have to say). The intricacy to his story telling from song to song and the imagery and descriptions can blow my mind and make me smile.

Simon and Garfunkel – America

Simon and Garfunkel have such a clarity and innocence in their style and again are instantly recognisable. The imagery and story of this young couple hitchhiking their way across the states is full of hope and optimism and as the song progresses maybe a sense of disillusionment creeps in as they try to ‘Look for America’ – trying to chase a false American dream perhaps.

Neil Young – Down By the River

Neil Young – Also extremely nostalgic for me, Neil Young got played a lot in the house while I was growing up. His voice is thin and kind of winey but its really emotive, the same goes for his guitar playing – he’s not the best in the world but he’s got a really distinctive sound and style which is far more important than being technically good. That’s important. His songwriting and melodies seem really natural and not over thought if that makes sense.

David Bowie – Five Years

The opening track to one of my favourite albums by one of the most inspiring, iconic and important artists ever.

Leonard Cohen – Suzanne

Leonard Cohen’s baritone voice and sad songs have without question directly influenced us and many more of our biggest musical influences (NickCave, TheNational to name a few).

The Beach Boys – I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times

A look into the messed up genius head of Brian Wilson. It’s a really sad song, but its got The Beach Boys happy sheen on it. I think there’s something really interesting in that – the juxtaposition of the care free surfer kid image and the troubled reality. I read his autobiography a few years ago, it’s really sad.

Steve Harley – That’s My Life In Your Hands

I heard this song for the first time in years and years not too long ago and it really took me back to my childhood, my dad used to play this album and this song I particularly liked. Really great melodies and an emotive chorus.

Sammy Davis, Jr. – Mr. Bojangles

I really like the story telling of this song. I don’t think it is originally Sammy Davis Jr’s but it fits perfectly with his character. It’s a sad story really of an old alcoholic dancer or entertainer Mr. Bojangles who from within a prison cell tells the story of his life and does a dance. I guess it could be a worry of most performers, be it bands, musicians or whatever that they’ll end up washed up, telling story’s of what they used to be.

Johnny Cash – I Walk the Line

The man in blacks influence on modern rock and pop music is un-chartable. There’s something so sincere and confident about this particular song. His work with Rick Ruben too at the last part of his life is so powerful and cemented that he will never be forgotten.

Syd Barrett – Baby Lemonade

I loved Pink Floyd growing up and they certainly have an influence on what we do, although it may not be as direct as other artists. They can be at times a bit too cliche druggie stadium-y but that came much later than Syd. This song is from after he left the band and put out some solo records. His story is very sad, yet has this (false) romantic side – the tortured artist kind of thing. He was very out there and original for the time and at the forefront of psychedelia.

It’s almost the weekend, so before things go a little crazy, it’s time to reflect on the week passed by listening to the sweet, melancholic ‘Little Moment’ by Luke Rathborne.

Of the track, Luke explains;

“This song tells the story that relates to the theme of all or nothing because its about getting pushed up against a wall in love and feeling your mind going with it. Everyone has had that experience in love before where they have to surrender to something that might make you feel more than you initially bargained for, thats part of what makes love so rare and unique, and really, what makes it coveted.”

Luke Rathborne recorded his debut album at just 17, and his Dylan-esq musical creations have received praise from the likes of Lauren Laverne

Dua Lipa is a 19 year old singer/songwriter from London. She makes husky discotronica.

Dua grew up surrounded by music and cites an eclectic mix of inspiration spanning generations from Tupac to Action Bronson, Bob Dylan and David Bowie, to Alt-J.

Following on from ‘New Love’, which was produced by Emile Haynie (Lana Del Rey, FKA Twigs), and Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow), is ‘Be The One’. The direction and intent of Dua’s sound is more clear to listeners with this second track, showing a tactical (and very wise) move by the youngster.